PUB NIGHT

Pub Night was held on Friday, October 28, at two metro Detroit locations concurrently this year: South° Bar in Birmingham and The Hill Seafood and Chop House in Grosse Pointe Farms. Guests at both locations took advantage of the opportunity to see old friends again, mingle, and enjoy drinks and hors d’oeuvres. Catching up with former classmates — and unexpectedly running into long-lost friends — is one of those special moments in life that you have to take a moment to appreciate. Join us next year for your chance to do just that!

RACE FOR JUSTICE

Alumni and student participation in UDM Law’s Race for Justice 5K continued to grow this year. Racers ran and walked on Saturday morning as part of the Reunion Weekend festivities. The majestic route along the Detroit RiverWalk offered incredible views of fall in Michigan. The race is organized by the Student Bar Association and the Voice for Justice Committee led by Prof. David Koelsch. Proceeds from the race benefit the UDM Law Voice for Justice Public Interest Fellowship Program, which provides summer fellowships to students to work in the public interest sector, fulfilling their call to serve and work toward the public good.

LOUNGE PARTY

If you were born before 1982 or have ever attended a New Year’s Eve party, you have almost certainly rocked out to the Prince song “1999” at some point. The classic song was a perfect fit for our Reunion Lounge Party this year, because the line “party like it’s 1999” kicked off our celebration of UDM Law’s 99th anniversary. Those of us who work in Alumni Relations have had this song stuck in our heads for months. It was worth it, though, because boy did we ever party like it’s UDM Law 99!

The Lounge Party took place once again at Detroit’s historic Westin Book Cadillac Hotel. Attenders dined, sipped, talked, and danced the night away in the architecturally stunning ballroom. The evening started with hors d’oeuvres and a strolling dinner, as well as a warm welcome by Dean Semple, who wanted take a moment to update everyone about the School of Law’s amazing renovation project before the program moved on to the awards portion.

The 2011 Time and Talent Award was presented to Dean P. Valente (’84). Mr. Valente is a partner at Valente Scharg & Associates in Grosse Pointe Park, MI. He has been a very active participant in the UDM Law Alumni Association for many years, including serving on the Board of Directors from 2001 – 2010, being a founding member of the 651 Club, and initiating the School’s senior class giving campaign.

The 2011 Alumnus of Year was Robert A. Ficano (’77), Wayne County Executive. Mr. Ficano was selected by the Alumni Association to receive this award, which is given annually to alumni who have in many ways distinguished themselved in their chosen field or endeavor.

When the program was over, a large, plush curtain was drawn back to reveal a dance floor amidst chic lounge furniture and the band Persuasion, who opened the party by performing Prince’s “1999.”

Online Giving

Great things are happening at the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law, thanks in large part to the generosity of the alumni and friends who contribute annually. Gifts to the Law School Annual Fund are used exclusively for the benefit of UDM Law. We encourage you to support our students and our mission by giving online. Thank you!Click here to make an online gift >>

Class Notes

Stay connected with your fellow classmates and the alumni community. Stay current and share your own personal successes with UDM Law.Alumni in the News >>